Netizens Show Support to Sunny Amid Rumored Departure From SM Entertainment

August 5th marks the 16th debut anniversary of iconic girl group, Girls' Generation. In celebration of the special day, SM Entertainment released heartfelt messages from the members who are still under the agency.

Special messages from Taeyeon, Hyoyeon, Yuri, YoonA 💖

소녀시대 16주년 축하해
SNSD 16th Anniversary #소녀시대_16주년_우리_꼭_영원하자#16Years_Sailing_With_GG pic.twitter.com/Jppti8KzkS

— Sone Support | #Forever1 (@SoneSupport_) August 4, 2023

However, the lineup of messages only left fans confused after they noticed Sunny's message missing. It can be recalled Sunny, Taeyeon, Hyoyeon, Yuri, and YoonA were the only members to renew their contracts with SM Entertainment in October 2017, while Seohyun, Sooyoung, and Tiffany left. With Sunny's greeting missing from the lineup, rumors arose that she had left SM Entertainment.

The special messages instantly became a hot topic, with Korean netizens wondering if Sunny had really left the agency. Others pointed out that the idol is the niece of Lee Soo Man, the controversial founder of the agency who made headlines earlier this year after selling his shares to HYBE—a move that almost lead to a 'hostile takeover.'

Korean netizens commented:

• Even if Lee Soo Man is her uncle, it shouldn't be a big deal whether Sunny would renew her contract or not.
• Sunny's voice is good.. please release an album.
• Isn't Sunny a complete all-rounder?
• She's been with the company for 16 years. That's a long time. She can leave if she wants to.
• Our Sunny, we are still waiting for your album.
• It's a bit too much for fans to find out about this on the day of the anniversary?
• I understand, they are related by blood. It must be awkward for her to continue to stay in SM.
• Sunny had no major activities after Soshi's comeback last year.
• Isn’t the reason why Sunny joined SM was because she was training at another agency, and then that agency merged with SM? I don’t think it’s related at all.
• I just wish all of them will leave.
• Sunny already said she's not close to Lee Soo Man.
• I hate it when companies share us news (of a departure) this way. It's our 16th anniversary.
• Sunny, I'll support you anytime, anywhere!! Happy 16th anniversary, SNSD!
• I still can't forget Sunny's "Bloom" performance. It was so good. I promised I was going to buy her solo album if it comes out, but I still can't buy it. Sunny, no matter where you are or what you do, please do a good job as a solo artist and as Girls' Generation!!
• Sunny, I'll wait for you. I love you.

Meanwhile, regardless of whether Sunny is still a member of SM Entertainment or not, fans point out that she is still part of Girls' Generation.

Yes, this pretty much confirms Sunny will continue to participate in group activities but is no longer under SM... which would have been great news hadn't SM let us find out about it through her absence in Oh!GG-related content 😮‍💨 pic.twitter.com/jux9vCUOdZ

— ※ (@pinklightstick) August 5, 2023

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